Bits from the Baja E-mail Update Jan. 19, 2010

"Would it be ok, if my friend came and studied the Bible with us? He has a lot of questions that I am not sure how to answer and has a lot of struggles right now in his personal life and marriage." Manuel asked Phil at their last study together. We are praising God for the desire he has to share what he is learning with those close to him. Please pray that M is able to meet more regularly now that the holidays are past and his work schedule should lighten up some. Pray that his friend is also able to attend and that the time in the Word would draw him to the Lord and bring healing to his soul and marriage.

We have also had quite a few visitors to youth group over the past several weeks. Please pray for these new contacts, many of whom probably do not have a personal relationship with Christ. This month, we are teaching the lessons on the Spiritual aspect of our lives, our relationship with God, from the discipleship materials we received training on this past fall. Please pray that the Lord would use the studies to work in their hearts and lives.

On a personal note, the Lord opened up the doors in a very speedy and remarkable way for me (Pattie) to come to the states to have the noncancerous cyst removed from my jawline. The procedure will be taking place tomorrow at 3:30 pm pacific time. I would greatly appreciate your prayers. Luke came with me to the and has had a very difficult time being in a new place and separated from most of his family. He has been very clingy. Please pray that he does fine while I am gone for about 3 hours tomorrow. I am sure that Phil also appreciates your prayers since he is doing a lot of extra work while I am away including, cooking and doing the kids' home school. It will be nice when we can all be together again next Wednesday. I will be flying out of LAX at 1pm. Please pray for an uneventful return trip and ease going through security at the airport with Luke.

Thank you again for your faithful prayers and support of our family and ministry here in Mexico. As we contemplate the start of a new year, we always like to go back to one of our favorite passages that we have claimed as a personal vision for our ministry from Isaiah 61:1-4

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.

Grateful to be serving with you, striving to see this vision a reality, one person at a time!
Phil and Pattie